2026 WSOP Kicks Off with Instruction Card Being Dealt on the Flop

2026 WSOP Kicks Off with Instruction Card Being Dealt on the Flop

Author: PokerNews Podcast May 28, 2026 Duration: 37:50

In the 967th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by FanDuel Poker, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas for the first official episode of the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP), which officially got underway with a rather strange hand in which an instruction card found its way onto the flop. 

It was a funny start to the summer, which also kicked off with some smaller numbers across town, where the Wynn had an overlay. Is it a sign of things to come in Las Vegas, which has become increasingly more expensive? Speaking of the WSOP getting underway, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi gave the ceremonial "Shuffle up and deal," while Martin Kabrhel is already up to his old antics.

The crew then made a bet on their favorite 25K Fantasy teams. The Lodge reopened in Texas, and Craig Welko claimed RGPS Player of the Year honors. Finally, Ray Kondler of Kondler & Associates came into the studio to share the latest on the current poker tax situation, while Robbie Strazynski dropped by to talk about his upcoming Mixed Game Festival XIV at Bellagio.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops three times a week during the 2026 WSOP! You can expect a new episode every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
01:10 | Instruction card dealt on the flop
02:25 | Low numbers on first day
04:36 | Playing with Nikki Limo
07:05 | Price of Las Vegas
11:23 | Grinder gives "Shuffle Up & Deal"
12:27 | Martin Kabrhel back at it
16:00 | Favorite $25K Fantasy Teams
19:00 | Ray Kondler on poker taxes
28:00 | The Lodge reopens in Texas
28:58 | Craig Welko wins RGPS POY
30:07 | Robbie Strazynski talks Mixed Game Festival XIV


Every Friday, the longest-running news show in poker drops a new episode, offering a direct line into the heart of the community. With over 800 episodes in the archive, the PokerNews Podcast has become a Friday ritual for players and fans alike, blending the week's most urgent headlines with deeper stories, spirited debates, and the occasional bit of insider gossip. Host Chad Holloway, a WSOP bracelet winner himself, is joined by co-hosts like a Game of Gold star, ensuring the conversation is always grounded in real experience. They don't just report the news; they dissect it with a player's perspective. Tuning in means hearing from the most influential voices in the game, from Poker Hall of Famers to reigning World Series of Poker Main Event champions, who share stories you won't find anywhere else. This isn't just a recap; it's a weekly immersion into the strategies, scandals, and personalities that define the modern poker landscape. Whether you're grinding online or just love the drama of the felt, this podcast delivers the authentic, unfiltered sound of the game every week.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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